Teli ka Mandir - Gwalior India

Dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, Teli Ka Mandir in Gwalior is a temple, constructed between the 8th and 11th centuries AD. The temple is popular as it the oldest and loftiest surviving structure in the Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh.

Theories About The TempleThere are many theories about who built the temple and after whom the temple is named. First theory suggests it was constructed by the Teli Community of oil merchants between 8th to 9th centuries AD during the reign of the Pratihara king Mihirabhoja.

Second theory suggests the temple got its name from the Telang Brahmins. They were in charge of the preceding of all the religious ceremonies after the fort was taken over by the Rashtrakuta king during the 8th century.

The third and the last theory illustrates the temple was named after the Telangana region of South India courtesy the influence of the Dravidian culture.